Mobilizing musculoskeletal structures

ABSTRACT

An injured musculoskeletal structure is mobilized relative to a juxtaposing support structure surface to isolate the injured musculoskeletal structure from forces transferred from adjoining musculoskeletal structures in order to alleviate pain, discomfort, inflammation, and further injury associated with such transferred forces.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/436,696, filed on May 6, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/050,928, filed on May 6, 2008, thecontents of which are incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to mobilizing musculoskeletal structures,including injured musculoskeletal structures.

BACKGROUND

Casts, splints, bandages, and braces are used to stabilize, immobilize,or otherwise protect or support, musculoskeletal disorders such astraumatic injuries, e.g., fractures, deformities, and other problems ofbones, joints, and connective tissues of the body (“injury sites”).Protecting and supporting the injury site can assist in reducing pain ordiscomfort, reducing inflammation, providing physical support, promotinghealing, and protecting from further damage or injury. Supporting andprotecting an injury site typically involves immobilizing the injurysite. For example, one treatment for fractures of the bones of the toes(the phalanges) includes taping the injured toe to an adjacent toe tolimit independent movement of the injured toe. Additionally oralternatively, a splint is sometimes attached to an injured toe in anattempt to immobilize and protect the injured toe.

SUMMARY

An injured musculoskeletal structure, such as a broken toe or fingerbone, is also susceptible to painful and potentially damaging forces.Particularly, normal use of interconnected musculoskeletal structurescan transfer forces to the injury site, potentially causing pain andinflammation, and potentially hindering healing of the injury. Forexample, when a person steps down on the foot, the metatarsals normallymove down and forward in relation to the heel, and they also spread tothe sides in relation to one another. Thus, mobilizing an injuredmusculoskeletal structure relative to a support device can allow naturalmovement of the injured musculoskeletal structure, and can reduceundesired transfer of forces to the injured musculoskeletal structureduring healing.

In one general aspect, a device includes a shell member sized and shapedto juxtapose an injured digit of a limb during healing. The shell memberhas a digit-facing surface formed of a slippery material to mobilize theinjured digit relative to the shell member. The device also includesmeans for limiting movement of the shell member relative to an adjacenthealthy musculoskeletal structure of the limb.

Some implementations may include one or more of the following features.The device includes an interface member disposed between the injureddigit and the shell member to facilitate movement of the injured digitrelative to the shell member. The means for limiting movement of theshell member relative to an adjacent healthy musculoskeletal structureincludes a slip-resistant body-facing surface juxtaposing the adjacenthealthy musculoskeletal structure of the limb. The means for limitingmovement of the shell member relative to an adjacent healthymusculoskeletal structure includes a hook-and-loop fastener.

The shell member is formed as a shoe insole. The device includes anupstanding deflection member configured to at least partially cover aninjured toe. The digit-facing surface includes an upper surface portionof the shell member on which a wearer's foot rests during use, and themeans for limiting movement includes an upper surface portion of theshell member on which the wearer's heel or instep rests during use. Theshell member defines a space in which the wearer's heel does not rest onthe shell during use, and the means for limiting movement of the shellmember relative to an adjacent healthy musculoskeletal structure of thelimb includes the space.

The device includes an interface member formed as a sock configured tocover a wearer's foot, and the sock is configured for sliding engagementwith the digit-facing surface and substantially non-sliding engagementwith the upper surface portion of the shell member on which the wearer'sheel or instep rests.

The shell member defines an interior cavity configured to receive atleast a portion of the injured digit, and the digit-facing surfaceincludes an inner surface of the shell member. The device furtherincludes an interface member including a splint or a sleeve. The deviceincludes a deflection member configured to at least partially enclosethe injured digit to protect the injured digit from damaging contact.

The device includes a shoe member that is configured to receive theshell member. The shoe member includes the means for limiting movementof the shell member relative to an adjacent healthy musculoskeletalstructure of the limb.

In another general aspect, a splint for supporting an injuredmusculoskeletal structure includes a rigid supportive shell configuredto cradle an injured musculoskeletal structure. The supportive shelllimits bending of the injured musculoskeletal structure in a firstdirection. An interface member is disposed between a portion of awearer's body and at least a portion of the supportive shell to mobilizeat least one of the injured musculoskeletal structure and amusculoskeletal structure adjacent to the injured musculoskeletalstructure relative to the supportive shell.

In another general aspect, a process includes providing a device formobilizing an injured musculoskeletal structure to slide relative to anorthotic member juxtaposing the injured musculoskeletal structure tosupport the injured musculoskeletal structure during healing.

In another general aspect, supporting an injured musculoskeletalstructure during healing includes mobilizing the injured musculoskeletalstructure to slide relative to an orthotic member juxtaposing theinjured musculoskeletal structure.

Some implementations may include one or more of the following features.Supporting an injured musculoskeletal structure includes isolating theinjured musculoskeletal structure from the orthotic member such that theorthotic member limits the transfer of a force to the injuredmusculoskeletal structure when moving with a body portion to which theorthotic member is attached. The method includes retaining the orthoticmember to a healthy musculoskeletal structure during use, substantiallylimiting bending of the injured musculoskeletal structure in a firstdirection, or at least partially enclosing the injured musculoskeletalstructure to protect against damaging contact.

In another general aspect, supporting an injured musculoskeletalstructure includes placing an interface member on an exterior skinsurface juxtaposing the injured musculoskeletal structure and placing ashell member in a position juxtaposing the injured musculoskeletalstructure. The interface member facilitates sliding movement of theinjured musculoskeletal structure and/or an adjacent musculoskeletalstructure relative to the shell member during support.

In another general aspect, a device includes a shell member sized andshaped to juxtapose an injured toe during healing. The shell memberincludes a first, foot-facing surface portion formed of a slipperymaterial to mobilize the injured toe relative to the first surfaceportion, and a second, foot-facing surface portion having a highercoefficient of friction than the first surface portion and arrangedrelative to the first surface portion to support a healthymusculoskeletal structure adjacent the injured toe and to limit slidingbetween the second surface and the healthy musculoskeletal structure.

In another general aspect, a device includes a shell member sized andshaped to juxtapose a foot sole at a location proximate an injured toewhile not juxtaposing adjacent portions of the sole. The shell memberincludes a foot-facing surface formed of a slippery material to mobilizethe injured toe relative to the foot-facing surface.

In another general aspect, a device includes a shell member sized andshaped to juxtapose an injured finger or thumb during healing. The shellmember includes a first digit-facing surface portion formed from aslippery material to mobilize the injured finger or thumb relative tothe first surface portion and a second surface portion configured toimmobilize the shell member relative to healthy musculoskeletalstructure adjacent the injured finger or thumb.

In another general aspect, a device includes a shell member sized andshaped to juxtapose an injured metacarpal structure during healing. Theshell member includes a first surface portion configured to immobilizethe shell member relative to the injured metacarpal structure and asecond digit-facing surface portion formed from a slippery material tomobilize a finger or thumb adjacent the injured metacarpal structurerelative to the second surface portion.

In one general aspect, a device includes a shell member sized and shapedto juxtapose an injured musculoskeletal structure of a limb duringhealing. The shell member has a surface configured to face the injuredmusculoskeletal structure and/or an adjacent musculoskeletal structure.The surface is formed of a slippery material to mobilize the injuredmusculoskeletal structure and/or the adjacent musculoskeletal structurerelative to the shell member. The device also includes means forlimiting movement of the shell member relative to an adjacent healthymusculoskeletal structure of the limb.

In some implementations, musculoskeletal structures adjacent to aninjured musculoskeletal structure are mobilized. For example, otherbones, skeletal muscles, cartilage, and/or tendons in the forefoot, inaddition to the injured musculoskeletal structure, can be mobilizedrelative to a support device to limit painful and/or injurious forcesfrom being transferred to an injured toe during standing or walking. Inother implementations, the musculoskeletal structures adjacent to,and/or adjoining an injured musculoskeletal structure are mobilizedinstead of the injured musculoskeletal structure. Additionally, themobilized adjacent and/or adjoining musculoskeletal structures includethose structures distal to the injured musculoskeletal structure. Forexample, a healthy toe can be mobilized relative to a support device toprotect a connected metatarsal bone or joint such that when themetatarsal bone pushes forward or outward against the toe duringwalking, the mobilized toe moves with the internal motion of theconnected metatarsal bone. Mobilizing the toe minimizes resistanceagainst such internal movements of the metatarsal bone, and reducingpainful and/or injurious forces transferred to the injury site.

The details of various implementations set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and description. Other features and advantages will be apparentfrom the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of an orthotic support device according to oneimplementation.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the orthotic support device shown inFIG. 1, with the low friction liner removed.

FIG. 2A is a plan view of the low friction liner of the orthotic supportdevice shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the orthotic support device shown in FIG. 1with the low friction liner removed.

FIGS. 4 and 4A are diagrammatic views of socks according to twoimplementations.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an orthotic support device in which an openarea of the shoe portion of the device is replaced by an enlargedprotective area.

FIG. 6 is a partial cut-away side view of the orthotic support device ofFIG. 1 in use with a toe splint.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of another orthotic support device.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the orthotic support device of FIG. 7 inuse.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of another orthotic support device.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of the orthotic support device ofFIG. 9.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of another orthotic support device.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective views of the orthotic support deviceof FIG. 10 in use.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of another orthotic support device.

FIG. 11A is a perspective views of the orthotic support device of FIG.11 in use.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An injured musculoskeletal structure is mobilized relative to ajuxtaposing support device by a low friction interface provided wherethe support device contacts the injury site. For example, as will bediscussed in further detail below, in the case of a toe fracture thesupport device provides a slippery surface located on a surface facingthe injured toe such that a very low friction interface is providedbetween the injured toe and the support device. This allows the injuredtoe to move relative to the support device when pressure is applied tothe foot, e.g., when the patient stands or walks, causing the metatarsalbones to spread and push forward in relation to the heel of the foot andin relation to the support device. Because the toe can slide over theslippery surface to accommodate these movements of the musculoskeletalstructure of the foot, pressure and stress on the toe are reduced,thereby reducing pain and inflammation, and reducing the likelihood offurther damage to the injured toe.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a mobilizing support device 10 for supporting aninjured foot, e.g., having a toe fracture, a deformed toe, or othermusculoskeletal injury, includes a shoe portion 12 having an open area14 surrounding the injury site. The open area 14 is arranged such thatcontact between the injured musculoskeletal structure of the foot andthe shoe portion 12 is reduced or eliminated. Thus, during walking orstanding, the shoe portion 12 does not contact the top, end, or sides ofthe injured musculoskeletal structure. The shoe portion 12 includes asole 16, an upper 18, a lacing system 20, and a toe cover 22 positionedadjacent the open area 14 to protect uninjured toes from impact withexternal objects.

In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, the open area 14 and toecover 22 are replaced, at least in part, by an enlarged, protective area23. Protective area 23 has sufficient dimensions to provide clearancearound the injured musculoskeletal structure. For example, theprotective area 23 provides a clearance distance of from about 0.125″ toabout 1.0″ around the top, end, and sides of the injured toe(s), and isformed of a material that is sufficiently stiff to provide a desireddegree of protection to the toes from an impact from the front or above,e.g., an object being dropped on the foot. The protective so area 23 caninclude perforations or other ventilation structure, and can be linedwith a low fiction material to provide a low friction sliding interfacewith the toes in case the toes contact the inner surface of the enlargedprotective area 23. Ideally, the open area or enlarged area isconfigured to allow the injury site to slide relative to the insole, aswill be discussed further below, without contact of the upper part ofthe injured area with the device 10.

The lacing system 20 holds in place a portion of the limb that isadjacent to the injury site, such as the heel, ankle, and/or calf,relative to the shoe portion 12 and allows adjustment of the size of theshoe, e.g., to accommodate swelling and to allow the wearer to easilydon and remove the shoe. For example, the lacing system can retainmusculoskeletal structures of the heel and/or ankle in generallyslip-free communication with the upper 18. The lacing system can bereplaced by, and/or supplemented with, any suitable attachment device,for example hook and loop fastener strips such as those availablecommercially under the tradename Velcro®, or other adjustable straps.Snaps, clips, buckles, and other latching and/or cinching devices canalso be used. In some implementations, the upper 18 extends over theankle area, to provide additional support and immobilization of selectedmusculoskeletal structures of the foot relative to the shoe portion 12.For example, the upper 18 may be similar to that of a high top sneaker,a hiking shoe, or boot.

Referring to FIG. 2, a liner 24 is disposed inside the shoe 12, andfunctions both as an insole and as a low-friction sliding surface. Asshown in FIG. 1, the liner 24 is sized such that it extends beyond theposition of the toes when weight is carried by the foot, so that thereis room for the toes to slide forward and outward when the wearer stepsor stands on the foot. For example, the liner 24 extends horizontally adistance of approximately 0.25″ or more beyond the perimeter of expectedmovements of the forefoot when walking or standing, in order to ensureadequate space for unimpeded movement of the toes and to provideprotection from side impacts. In some embodiments, this side protectioncan be enhanced by including an upstanding protective portion 25 thatextends upward slightly and curves, forming a cavity to partiallyenclose one or more toes.

In use, and as shown in FIG. 6, the liner 24 is disposed juxtaposing aninjured musculoskeletal structure and healthy musculoskeletal structuresadjacent to the injured musculoskeletal structure. The liner 24 includesa slippery surface 26 that provides an interface having a lowcoefficient of fiction and can be formed of any material that, with theshoe, provides the necessary support for the particular application. Thesupport device 10 additionally includes an interface member 27 thatcovers at least a portion of the wearer's skin to cooperate with theslippery surface 26. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the interface member 27can be a sock 28 to cover a foot having an injured musculoskeletalstructure. Depending on the material of the interface member 27,suitable materials for the slippery surface 26 can includepolytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, or thelike. In some cases, the liner 24 may be formed of a heat moldablematerial, to allow the liner to be shaped to portions of the wearer'sfoot if desired. For example, the liner can be molded to serve as asupportive footbed, providing arch support and/or other ergonomic ortherapeutic support to the foot while walking, in addition to providinga slippery surface for mobilization of injured musculoskeletalstructures and/or adjacent musculoskeletal structures. One suitablematerial for use as the liner 24 is commercially available from SammonsPreston (www.sammonspreston.com) under the tradename Aquaplast®.

The stiffness or flexibility of all, or parts of, the support device 10can be achieved by varying the flexibility of the shoe portion 12 and/orof the liner 24, and can be varied as may be required for treatingdifferent conditions. The support device can be or can include portionsthat are rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible, as appropriate for a givenimplementation. In most cases, it will be desirable for the supportdevice 10 to be rigid enough to minimize bending motion around theinjury site. In some cases, the support device 10 can be supplied to ahealthcare provider, or to the end user, with a set of liners 24 havingdifferent thicknesses, or other characteristics, to allow the shoeportion 12 to be easily adapted to treat a variety of different injuriesor conditions. Similarly, the healthcare provider can be supplied with aplurality of shoe portions 12 having different sizes and/or performancecharacteristics, to allow the healthcare provider to select a shoeportion 12 to meet a particular patient's needs.

If desired, the liner 24 can include multiple layers, e.g., an upperlayer to provide the slippery surface 26 and a lower layer to provideother properties such as cushioning or shock absorption. In such casesone of the layers, e.g., the upper layer, can provide the desired levelof stiffness and support. Alternatively, the shoe portion 12 may includea layer of foam or other cushioning material disposed under the liner24, for example the sole 16 can provide cushioning.

As discussed above, interface member 27 can be formed as a sock 28 ofconventional design, and should generally have elastic properties thatallow the sock 28 to expand and contract along with the skin of the footwith minimal restriction of the natural expansion or contraction of thefoot during standing or walking. In the area A of the injury site (FIG.6) where unrestrained sliding movement is desired, the fabric of thesock 28 should slide freely and readily on the liner 24, with theinterface therebetween having a low coefficient of friction to mobilizethe injured toe. Additionally, musculoskeletal structures surroundingthe injured toe, such as healthy musculoskeletal structures of theforefoot, including metatarsal structures, are mobilized. Preferably,the sock 28 includes materials or fibers that allow the foot to breatheand allow perspiration to be vented for general health as well as tominimize the possibility of moisture altering the coefficient offriction at the slippery surface 26. Other physical properties, e.g.;elasticity or padding, of one or more areas of the sock 28, or of anyinterface member 27, can be varied as may be appropriate for differinghealth conditions.

In some implementations, the liner 24 has one or more slippery areas 26Ahaving a relatively low coefficient of friction, which are disposedjuxtaposing the injury site(s), and one or more non-slip areas 29 havinga relatively higher coefficient of friction, which are disposed awayfrom the injury site, juxtaposing musculoskeletal structures of the footthat are adjacent to the injury site. For example, the liner can besized and shaped to juxtapose substantially the entire bottom surface ofthe wearer's foot. An area 29 of the liner 24 that juxtaposes thewearer's heel has a relatively high coefficient of friction to limit thefoot sliding forward in the shoe for limiting movement of the liner 24relative to the heel or other adjacent healthy musculoskeletal structureof the limb. The area 26A of the liner 24 that juxtaposes the toes isslippery and has a relatively low coefficient of friction to allow thetoes to move as the foot spreads. In some implementations, the liner 24can be formed by comolding two different polymeric compositions.Additionally, a separate insole portion can be disposed on the liner tolimit sliding of the foot. In other implementations, the liner 24 issized and shaped such that it does not juxtapose the heel and/or instepof the wearer's foot during use, and sliding between the wearer's heeland/or instep can be limited by the shoe portion 12, as discussed above.

Referring to FIG. 4, a sock 28 has a first region 30 juxtaposing theinjury site having a low coefficient of friction, e.g., formed of asynthetic fiber or a combination of fibers or yarns, such as nylon andrayon, such as to provide a low friction interface with the slipperysurface 26. A second region 32, e.g., in the heel area, has a relativelyhigher coefficient of friction. The second region 32 may be formed usinga rougher texture knit, and/or using fibers or yarns having a highercoefficient of friction. This sock construction allows the toes to slidefreely relative to the liner 24 as the foot spreads, while helping tokeep the rest of the foot in place within the shoe.

Referring to FIG. 4A, a sock 34 may have two or more layers, to providedesired comfort characteristics. For example, in the embodiment shownthe sock includes an inner, moisture wicking layer 36, e.g., of cotton,a cotton blend, or a hydrophilic synthetic material. Also, in someimplementations, the sock 28 or the sock 34 can be constructed of thesame material, or combination of materials, throughout. In suchembodiments, the variations of coefficient of friction are accomplishedby variation of portions of the chosen interfacing surfaces.

Now referring to FIG. 6, the interface member 27 can include, integrallyor in combination, a splint 40, or other device configured to support aninjured musculoskeletal structure, such as a broken phalange of a toe.The splint 40 can be used for localized support, such as to support ajoint or to maintain desired alignment of bone portions of the fracturebone, and can be used with or without a fabric covering the splint 40,such as the sock 28. While the splint 40 can be considered animmobilizing device, the slippery surface 26 of the liner 24 stillallows the splint 40 to slide freely thereover during standing orwalking. Additionally, even when the splint 40 is used, phalanges ormetacarpals, can be mobilized relative to the slippery surface 26 of theliner 24. The slippery surface 26 can be selected from a material thatcreates a low friction interface with an external surface of the splint40, including tape or the like that may be used to attach the splint 40to the injured musculoskeletal structure. This splint can be rigid,semi-rigid or flexible, and can be formed from any combination offabrics, foams, suitable metals and/or plastics, such as elasticsleeves, elastic or inelastic bandaging, or conventional splints fordigits. To provide sliding interaction, the slippery surface 26 can beformed from polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene, or polyethylene,among other materials.

While the support device 10 of FIGS. 1-6 is suitable for mobilizingsupport of an injured musculoskeletal structure in the foot, includingtoes and joints, other support devices can be used to mobilize injuredmusculoskeletal structures of the foot, or of other parts of the body.Referring to FIG. 7, a mobilizing support device 50 includes a rigiddigit-receiving support shell 60 and a digit-covering interface member70 for use in supporting an injured musculoskeletal structure of injuredfinger I, including injured interphalangeal joints and/or injuredmetacarpophalangeal joints. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the support shell60 juxtaposes the phalanges of the injured finger I to reduce injuriouscontact with foreign objects and undesired bending of the injured fingerI. Particularly, the support shell 60 includes a tubular wall 61 havinga slippery interior surface 65 and an exterior surface 66. The tubularwall 61 defines a central cavity 69 accessible from at least one openend of the support shell 60. The interface member 70 covers the injuredfinger I and includes a slippery external surface 75 that slides freelyagainst the interior surface 65 of the support shell 60. The supportshell 60 can be formed from any suitable material, including plastics,metals, composite materials, and other materials used for splinting andcasting.

In use, and as illustrated in FIG. 8, a wearer, or a nurse, physician,or other caregiver, places the interface member 70 over the injuredfinger I. As discussed above with respect to the interface member 27,the interface member 70 can include a sock and/or an elastic supportmaterial, or other flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid support devices. Thewearer or caregiver also places the support shell 60 juxtaposing theinjured musculoskeletal structure of the injured finger I. For example,the wearer or caregiver inserts the injured finger I into the supportshell 60 such that the support shell partially or fully encloses theinjured finger I to protect against injury and to support the injuredfinger I using an attachment device 80. The wearer or caregiver securesthe support shell 60 to an adjacent healthy finger H. or anotheradjacent healthy musculoskeletal structure of the limb, such as thehand, wrist, or forearm. The support shell 60 can be attached to acontiguous adjacent musculoskeletal structure, such as the palm, that isadjacent to the injured finger, using the attachment device 80. Forexample, tape, ties, straps, or the like, are used to secure the shell60 to the healthy finger H for limiting movement of the support shell 60relative to an adjacent healthy musculoskeletal structure of the limb.Additionally, the interior cavity of the support shell 60 is largeenough to provide clearance space between the support shell 60 and theinterface member 70 to allow for radial movement of the enclosedinterface member 70. The space provided may be from about 0.1″ to about0.3″ around the circumference of the interface member. Thus, as thehealthy finger H moves, and as the support shell 60 moves with thehealthy finger H, the injured finger I is mobilized to move freelywithin the support shell 60. For additional protection, the distal endof the injured finger I should not extend beyond the distal end of thesupport shell 60 when in use. The distal end of the support shell 60 canbe open, closed, or partially open for ventilation.

Instead of placing the interface member 70 on the injured finger I, theinterface member 70 can be attached to the support shell 60 such thatthe interior surface 65 is covered by the interface member 70. Theinterface member can be formed from an elastic tubular material suchthat the interface member 70 narrows within the support shell 60 tocushion the injured finger I during use. For example, the ends of theelastic tubular interface member 70 can be attached to the ends 61 and62 of the support shell 60 such that the middle portion of the tubularelastic interface member 70 is free to slide over and move within theinterior surface 65 of the support shell 60. Thus, the support shell 60and the interface member 70 in such a configuration can mobilize theinjured finger by suspending, cushioning, and sliding. Furthermore, thesupport shell 60 can be sized such that the injured finger I can movewith minimized contact with the interior surface 65 of the support shell60. For additional protection, the distal end of the injured finger Ishould not extend beyond the distal end of the support shell 60 when inuse. The distal end of the support shell 60 can be open, closed, orpartially open for ventilation.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9-9B, a support device 50A includes a tab 90Aincluded with the support shell 60A. The tab 90A provides secureattachment to the wearer's hand H using the attachment device 80. Thetab 90A can be rigid or resilient to limit or inhibit bending of theinjured finger I. Alternatively, the tab 90A can be flexible such thatthe tab 90A does not inhibit bending of the injured finger I at themetacarpophalangeal joint. Support devices with differentcharacteristics may be indicated for different applications. Forexample, the tab 90A can be shaped to extend beneath one or moremetacarpal heads depending on the circumstances.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10-10B, a support device 50B supports an injuredthumb T. The tab 90B is configured as a body-engaging clip with arms 91.The arms 91 are resilient and deformable to fit over the wearer's handH. The arms 91 exert a retaining force, such as by spring action, tosecure the support device 50B to the wearer's hand H, as shown in FIG.10A. Additionally or alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10B, the supportdevice 50B can be retained in a position juxtaposing the injuredmusculoskeletal structure of the thumb T using the attachment device 80wrapped around and/or adhered to the hand H. The tab 90B can be modifiedor extended to provide varying engagement or attachment with the hand,wrist or arm as deemed appropriate for a particular condition.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 11A, a support device 100 includes acontoured support shell 110 that, in use and as illustrated in FIG. 11A,juxtaposes musculoskeletal structures in the wearer's arm, wrist, andhand, including fingers. The support shell 110 can be used to support,for example, a fractured metacarpal bone adjacent to the arm, wrist andhand. Thus, the support shell 110 is sufficiently rigid to protect thefracture site. The support device 100 also includes an interface member120 for covering the finger adjoining the fractured bone, and one ormore fingers adjacent thereto. The support shell 110 includes a slipperyinterior surface 115 to allow the interface member 120 to slide freelythereover to mobilize the fingers adjoining the fractured bone relativeto the support shell 110. Thus, when the interface member 120 is placedover the finger adjoining the fracture and over the adjacent finger andwhen the support shell 110 is placed juxtaposing the fracture site, asillustrated in FIG. 11A, the interface member 120 mobilizes the fingersto slide freely over the slippery interior surface 115 to reduce forcesapplied to the fractured metacarpal bone as the fingers are flexed, oras the hand or arm pushes forward or pulls rearward in the supportshell. For additional protection, the distal end of the interface member120 does not extend beyond the distal end of the support shell 110during use. The distal end of the support shell 110 can be open, closed,or partially open, such as including perforations or other ventilatingstructure.

The support shell 110 also includes a tab 117 that retains the supportdevice 110 in position on the wearer's hand and arm. For example, thetab 117 can press inward against the wearer's hand to apply a retainingforce. Alternatively, the tab 117, and/or other portions of the supportshell 110 can include a tacky surface that adheres to the wearer's skin.Alternatively, the support device 100 can be secured using a strap,tape, or other attachment device.

A number of implementations have been described, and share manyfeatures. For example, the various support shell implementationsdescribed above each extends a distance beyond an anticipated range ofmotion of an injured musculoskeletal structure, or a musculoskeletalstructure adjacent thereto, in order to reduce the opportunity forcontact with foreign objects. Nevertheless, it will be understood thatvarious modifications may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention.

For example, a low friction interface can be created between a surfaceof any type of support or brace and the wearer's skin. As one example, asoft, elastomeric knee brace can be provided with a low friction surfacefacing the wearer's skin in the area of the kneecap, and can be wornwith a thin liner, e.g., of fabric, that provides a low coefficient offriction interface where it contacts the low friction surface.

Moreover, in the context of the toe support device discussed above,other areas of the shoe portion 12 can be provided with a slidingsurface, in addition to the footbed. For example, if the wearer has aninjury to another part of the foot, or if a particular musculoskeletalcondition requires additional controlled restraint of motion around theinjury site, a sliding surface can be provided on the interior of theshoe upper in the area of that injury.

Additionally, injured musculoskeletal structures that can be supportedand/or protected as described above include broken or bruised bones,torn or strained ligaments, torn or bruised cartilage, or torn orstrained muscles. Similarly, malformed structures, and diseasedstructures, such as musculoskeletal structures affected by rheumatorydiseases, can be supported and/or protected as described above.Moreover, while mobilization of musculoskeletal structures has beendescribed above with respect to support and/or protection during healingof an injury, the musculoskeletal structures can be mobilized in manysituations, which, for the purpose of this disclosure, are considered tobe included in the term healing. For example, an injured musculoskeletalstructure can be mobilized during support and/or protection thereofwhile more critical injuries are addressed. Additionally, in situationsinvolving chronic diseases, pain management or other maintenanceprocedures are considered to be included in the term healing as usedherein.

Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the followingclaims.

1) (canceled) 2) A method for protecting a musculoskeletal injury siteinvolving a digit of a hand without utilizing conventional methodsintended to provide protection by immobilizing the digit, comprising: i)configuring a rigid or semi-rigid support shell to receive the digit inloose-fitting engagement such that the digit can move relative to thesupport shell; ii) configuring the support shell to extend distallybeyond an expected range of movement of a distal end of the digit tolimit or reduce potential for direct contact between the distal end ofthe digit and external objects; iii) configuring the support shell toextend proximally beyond a proximal interphalangeal joint of the digit;and, iv) attaching the support shell to a portion of the hand or armother than the digit. 3) The method of claim 2, wherein the supportshell is configured to provide a digit facing surface designed toprovide a low friction interface between the digit and the support shellto assist in mobilizing the digit relative to the support shell. 4) Themethod of claim 2, further comprising providing an interface member tobe positioned between the digit and the support shell and configuringthe interface member and the support shell to provide a low frictioninterface between the digit and the support shell. 5) The method ofclaim 2, wherein the support shell is configured to receive a fulllength of the digit. 6) The method of claim 2, wherein the support shellis configured to provide a tubular shaped cavity to receive the digit.7) The method of claim 6, wherein the portion of the hand or arm otherthan the digit comprises a portion of an adjacent digit. 8) The methodof claim 2, wherein the support shell is configured to substantiallyenclose a full length of the injured digit and is configured to provideone or more openings for ventilation. 9) A device designed to protect amusculoskeletal injury site involving a digit without implementingconventional practices of immobilizing the digit, the device comprising:a rigid or semi-rigid support shell configured to receive the digit inloose-fitting engagement with the support shell such that the digit canmove relative to the support shell; the support shell configured toextend distally beyond an expected range of movement of a distal end ofthe digit to limit or reduce potential for direct contact between thedistal end of the digit and external objects; the support shellconfigured to extend proximally beyond a proximal interphalangeal jointof the digit; and an attachment device configured to secure the supportshell to a portion of the wearer's hand or arm other than the digit toprevent or mitigate against the support shell from slipping off thedigit, and such that the support shell and the attachment devicecooperate to reduce or limit transfer of external forces to the digitwhen the support shell contacts external objects. 10) The device ofclaim 9, wherein the support shell is configured to provide adigit-facing surface providing a low friction interface between thedigit and the support shell to assist in mobilizing the digit relativeto the support shell. 11) The device of claim 9, further comprising aninterface member positioned between the digit and the support shell, theinterface member and the support shell configured to provide a lowfriction interface between the digit and the support shell. 12) Thedevice of claim 9, wherein the support shell is configured to receive afull length of the digit. 13) The device of claim 9, wherein the supportshell defines a tubular shaped cavity for receiving the digit. 14) Thedevice of claim 13, wherein the portion of the hand or arm other thanthe digit comprises a portion of an adjacent digit. 15) The device ofclaim 9, wherein the support shell is configured to substantiallyenclose a full length of the injured digit and is configured to provideone or more openings for ventilation. 16) A method for protecting aninjury involving a digit of an upper extremity of a person, comprising:i) configuring a rigid or semi-rigid support shell to provide a cavityto receive the digit in loose-fitting engagement such that the digit canmove freely within the cavity of the support shell; ii) configuring thesupport shell to extend distally beyond an expected range of movement ofa distal end of the digit and to extend proximally beyond a proximalinterphalangeal joint of the digit; and, iii) attaching the supportshell to a portion of the upper extremity other than the digit. 17) Themethod of claim 16, wherein the support shell is configured to provide adigit facing surface designed to provide a low friction interfacebetween the digit and the support shell to assist in mobilizing thedigit relative to the support shell. 18) The method of claim 16, furthercomprising providing an interface member to be positioned between thedigit and the support shell and configuring the interface member and thesupport shell to provide a low friction interface between the digit andthe support shell. 19) The method of claim 16, wherein the support shellis configured to receive a full length of the digit. 20) The method ofclaim 16, wherein the support shell is configured to provide a tubularshaped cavity to receive the digit. 21) The method of claim 20, whereinthe portion of the upper extremity other than the digit comprises aportion of an adjacent digit. 22) The method of claim 16, wherein thesupport shell is configured to substantially enclose a full length ofthe injured digit and is configured to provide one or more openings forventilation. 23) A device for protecting an injury involving a digit ofan upper extremity of a person, comprising: a rigid or semi-rigidsupport shell configured to provide a cavity to receive the digit inloose-fitting engagement such that the digit can move freely within thecavity of the support shell; the support shell configured to extenddistally beyond an expected range of movement of a distal end of thedigit and to extend proximally beyond a proximal interphalangeal jointof the digit; and, an attachment device for securing the support shellto a portion of the upper extremity other than the digit.